The national HIV/AIDS strategy: efforts to improve HIV incidence and access to care among homeless populations

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Degree: Master of Public Health

Institution: University of Pittsburgh

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  • The national HIV/AIDS strategy: efforts to improve HIV incidence and access to care among homeless populations
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  • 12/19/2025
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Abstract
  • OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to consider how the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) will be effective in reducing HIV risk and/or HIV incidence. This research is aiming to identify what the most effective strategies are to target homeless HIV positive individuals, and to identify issues for future research. This research is significant to public health because of the potential impact of targeted measures to reduce the number of individuals unaware of their HIV positive status, thus reducing HIV transmission and improving the HIV epidemic in the United States. METHODS: The method used for this research was a literature review. The search terms used for the literature search were “homelessness,” “HIV,” and “housing.” This search was limited to information and research in the United States, between the years of 1995-2012. RESULTS: From the articles included in the review, two main themes that emerged were prevention of behavioral risk factors for HIV in homeless populations, and the study of healthcare utilization as a determinant of HIV and housing status. It was found that the majority of participants who were homeless and either HIV positive or at high risk were men who experienced substance abuse issues and engaged in unprotected sex. Women also engaged in unprotected sex and substance abuse, but reported more survival sex than men. Homeless individuals were more likely to use the Emergency Department for healthcare needs, and that HIV care improved, and HIV risk decreased with housing services. DISCUSSION: Information from the literature indicated that housing status is associated with HIV risk behaviors and/or HIV positive status. Other contributing factors were case management and supportive services for mental health and substance abuse issues. There were also cost implications. Individuals who were housed versus homeless utilized emergency services much less, and took advantage of primary care and preventative services. CONCLUSION: Housing services improve overall health of homeless individuals, and greatly reduce HIV risk behaviors and incidence of HIV infection. Different housing strategies and cost-benefits should be considered for use in the NHAS to reduce the number of HIV positive homeless individuals.
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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Mannion, Mary Kate. The National Hiv/aids Strategy: Efforts to Improve Hiv Incidence and Access to Care Among Homeless Populations. Terry, Martha Ann - Committee Member, Silvestre, Anthony - Committee Chair.University of Pittsburgh. 2013. d-scholarship.pitt.edu/concern/generic_works/7ac0ed84-a51a-4613-9ad5-c9b421ede3d6.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

M. M. Kate. (2013). The national HIV/AIDS strategy: efforts to improve HIV incidence and access to care among homeless populations. https://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/concern/generic_works/7ac0ed84-a51a-4613-9ad5-c9b421ede3d6

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Mannion, Mary Kate. The National Hiv/aids Strategy: Efforts to Improve Hiv Incidence and Access to Care Among Homeless Populations. University of Pittsburgh. 2013. https://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/concern/generic_works/7ac0ed84-a51a-4613-9ad5-c9b421ede3d6.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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